Electric Kick-Style Scooters (e-scooters) Pilot

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) recognizes the importance of new and emerging vehicle technologies in expanding mobility options for Ontarians; however, safety remains a priority. The safe integration of new or existing vehicle types with pedestrians and other road users is a key consideration for any new vehicle type. 

Since 2005, Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act has given MTO the authority to implement, test and evaluate pilot programs via regulation, to determine how they interact with other new and existing vehicles, pedestrians, and other road users.  

On January 1, 2020, MTO launched a pilot program to permit electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) on Ontario’s roads until November 27, 2024. E-scooters are permitted where pedestrians and bicycles are allowed, subject to municipal by-law.  

The current pilot framework sets out specific rules and conditions, including:  

• Riders must be at least 16 years old; 
• Riders under 18 years old must wear a helmet; 
• E-scooters must be ridden while standing; 
• Passengers are not permitted; 
• Carrying cargo is not permitted; 
• The maximum speed of an e-scooter cannot exceed 24km/h on a level surface; 
• The maximum weight of an e-scooter must not exceed 45kg; 
• Maximum power output of 500 watts; 
• Two wheels and brakes; 
• Horn or bell; 
• Seats, pedals and baskets are not permitted; 
• One white light in front and one red light on the rear;  
• Wheel diameter must not exceed 17 inches; 
• No modifications are permitted. 

E-scooters, as a new mode of transportation, provide options for first and last-mile connections to transit and may contribute to reduced traffic congestion. Since the pilot program’s inception, 16 municipalities have opted into the program. 

The ministry is seeking to continue evaluating the feasibility of e-scooter use by extending the pilot program. Public input is being sought on this proposal to extend the e-scooter pilot program for an additional 5 years, until November 27, 2029. This extension will enable MTO to gather additional data to support its review and analysis of e-scooters, providing a clearer understanding of the program’s impact and guiding future policy decisions. 

Proposed Change: 

Pilot Duration – The current e-scooter pilot program will expire on November 27, 2024. This proposal would extend the duration of the pilot for an additional 5 years, until November 27, 2029. This extension will allow for the continued collection and analysis of data, providing a more robust understanding of the program’s outcomes and helping to inform future policy direction.  

No additional changes are proposed to the existing e-scooter pilot program rules and requirements.  

We are providing this notice to make the public aware that a proposal regarding e-scooters have been posted on the Regulatory Registry for 30 days for public comment.  The public is invited to review and comment on the proposal through the Regulatory Registry.